Journal of Women's Studies: University of North Bengal, Vol. 13

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.nbu.ac.in/handle/123456789/5660

Editorial

I am delighted to present the thirteenth issue of the Journal of Women’s Studies University of North Bengal (ISSN 2320 3625), a peer reviewed and refereed Journal.

This volume incorporates the diverse arena of gender issues related to women’s identity as in literature, her dichotomy to balance between tradition and modernity, women in politics, representation of women in mythologies, in colonial photography, the status of marginalized women and women with disabilities. It contains nine articles which are an expression of largely unspoken and theoretically unarticulated issues of women revealing the presence of patriarchy and gender disparity. As Edward Said reminds, “My argument is that history is made by men and women, just as it can also be unmade and rewritten, always with various silence and elisions, always with shapes imposed and disfigurements tolerated” (Culture and Imperialism,1994) and hence, it is significant to rework, remake and reproduce expressions and dialogues of women either unheard or over looked in the understanding of gender studies.

This issue focusses on key concepts such as patriarchy, intersectionality and of experiences of oppression and inclusiveness. It refers to a social system that privileges men and subordinate’s women in various aspects of life. The first article by Dr. Varun Kumar Roy titled ‘Women and Contemporary Politics during the times of Babur and Humayun’ explores the role of royal women in politics in medieval India in which women were deprived from active participation in public sphere and formal political institutions yet they could create influence and space in contemporary political discourse. The article of Mayuri Bhagat titled “The Female Companions of the Angry Young Men: A Comparative Study of John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger and Bratya Basu’s Hemlat” where women as companions of men serve as a support, care yet suffer from insecurities and frustrations. Representing the characters of Sita, Soorpanakha and Eve in ‘Daring Tell the Tale: A Thematic Analysis of Feminist Retellings of Popular Mythological Narratives’ by Shrestha Bandopadhyay relooks the mythologies from a feminist perspective challenging the gender norms identified in the society. The article titled ‘Tradition Versus Modernity: A Comparative Study of Sunity Devee and Gayatri Devi Works (1921-1976)’written by Sulakshana Lama tries to understand the autobiographies of royal queens as Sunity Devi of Cooch Behar and Gayatri Devi of Jaipur and theirdichotomy in balancing the tradition and modernity within the male dominant society.

Intersectionality recognises gender as not only axis of oppression but that it intersects with the other forms of identity such as race, class, and sexuality, shaping women’s experiences of oppression and struggles. Santosh Mahaldar in his article “Double Vulnerability: Understanding Disability through Everyday Experiences of Women with Disabilities – a Brief Treatise” examines the subjugation of the marginalised voices and mistreatment faced by the women with disabilities. The article “Unearthing the Silent Narratives of Women of Darjeeling in Colonial Photography (1835-1947)” by Sourav Sarkar explores the colonial male perspective in representing the women from ethnic groups as Lepchas, Tamangs, Bhutias through the lens of British camera. Photography served as a gendered imperialist project for the British in Darjeeling. Dr. Purnima Roy in the article “Educational Scenario of Tribal Women in Dooars and Terai” identifies the causes, challenges and problems faced by the tribal women in education and provides the suggestions for removing illiteracy from the women of tribal communities of Terai and Dooars of North Bengal.

Understanding collective identities and struggling to eliminate muteness by structural representation in politics is important aspect of efforts for gender equality. Supriya Chanda’s article ‘Evaluating the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023: A Critical Analysis of Women’s Reservation in Indian Politics’examines the importance of diversity and inclusivity of women in political system of the country. In the article titled “Understanding the Status of Matua Women in the 20th and 21st Centuries in Bengal” by Sanchayeeta Goldar speaks of ‘Matri Sena’, an independent women’s organization within the marginalised women of Matua fold, which tries to bring forth gender equality and women’s empowerment through women’s leadership.

The journal has followed a blind– folded review process in accepting the articles keeping in view of the observations and suggestions provided by the esteemed reviewers. I would like to express my gratitude to the honoured reviewers whose insights and suggestions undoubtedly enriched the content of this volume. Furthermore, I extend my appreciation and thanks to all the contributors whose dedication and scholarly endeavours have brought forth significant areas of research in gender studies, contributing immensely to the academic dialogue.

I convey my gratitude to the Honourable Vice Chancellor, University of North Bengal, The Registrar and The Finance Officer for their support in this academic endeavour. I am grateful for the cooperation and support from the colleagues of the Department of Women’s Studies in publishing this journal. A special thanks to Dr. Beethika Moni Dutta for her efforts and support. A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Shubhrojyoti Kundu for designing the cover page of the journal. The unfailing cooperation and help of the officials and staffs of the North Bengal University Press is greatly remembered for publishing the journal.

Editor

Dr. Dahlia Bhattacharya

Browse

Filters

20249

Advanced Search

Filter by

Settings

End date: 2024Has files: Yes

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Educational Scenario of Tribal Women in Dooars and Terai
    (University of North Bengal, 2024-12) Roy, Purnima
    In Dooars and Terai of North Bengal, Adivasi women have been suffering from illiteracy due to lack of proper education. The article focuses on the status and condition of their educational scenario and the hurdles faced by them in doing so. It is surveyed that the maximum number of women in tribal families are engaged mainly in tea garden. It also looked that they do not have interest in education and the Government facilities are not sufficient too to support their society. So, the gap between the general communities and the Scheduled Tribes in Dooars and Terai region in terms of low literacy may be attributed to different issues and the tribes remain illiterate in comparison to other societies.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Unearthing the Silent Narratives of Women of Darjeeling in Colonial Photography (1835-1947)
    (University of North Bengal, 2024-12) Sarkar, Sourav
    Photography, introduced to India shortly after its European invention, became a pivotal tool in documenting and shaping colonial life. In Darjeeling, amidst the scenic eastern Himalayas, photography captured the region's exotic appeal and socio-economic changes under British rule. This article explores the visual representation of women in colonial Darjeeling, revealing how photographs perpetuated imperialist ideologies while offering insights into women's lives and agency. By examining images of women tea plantation workers, local elites, and everyday individuals, this study highlights how photography both reflected and constructed colonial experiences, reinforcing stereotypes and justifying British rule through narratives of primitiveness and the need for a civilizing influence. Despite many exploitative depictions, some photographs also showcase women's resilience and contributions to the colonial economy and society. This research underscores photography's importance as a historical document and medium of expression, providing valuable insights into the gendered dynamics of colonialism and the broader imperialist project in Darjeeling. Through these lens, we better understand the interplay between power, representation, and identity in colonial India, appreciating the multifaceted role of women in shaping and being shaped by the visual culture of the time.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Tradition versus modernity: a comparative study of Sunity Devi and Gayatri Devi works (1921-1976)
    (University of North Bengal, 2024-12) Lama, Sulakshana
    This research examines the contrasting themes of tradition and modernity. It focuses on the autobiographies of two prominent Indian princesses, Sunity Devee and Gayatri Devi. Both works delve into their experiences before and after India's independence, providing insights into the changing societal norms of the time. Despite being of royal status, these women encountered the challenge of harmonizing traditional values with modern influences. Their autobiographies offer a distinctive perspective on their adaptation to changing cultural environments, illustrating their personal growth as they interacted with traditional and modern aspects within Indian society. Through their narratives, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities faced by women in positions of power during a time of significant political and social change. Sunity Devee and Gayatri Devi's stories serve as valuable historical documents that shed light on the evolving roles and expectations for women in India during the 20th century.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Evaluating the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023: A Critical Analysis of Women's Reservation in Indian Politics
    (University of North Bengal, 2024-12) Chanda, Supriya
    This article critically examines the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023, a landmark legislation reserving 33% of seats in Indian legislative bodies for women. While the Act aims to promote women's empowerment and gender equality, its limitations and vulnerabilities must be acknowledged. The article argues that the Act's focus on numerical representation rather than transformative change may limit its potential to challenge patriarchal structures and promote substantive gender equality. Feminist scholars have raised concerns about tokenism, proxy candidates, and the lack of substantive representation. The article highlights the need for deeper structural changes to address the underlying social, economic, and cultural barriers that prevent women from participating in politics. The implementation of the Act will be crucial in determining its effectiveness in promoting women's empowerment and gender equality.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Understanding the Status of Matua Women in 20th and 21st Centuries in Bengal
    (University of North Bengal, 2024-12) Goldar, Sanchayeeta
    The Matua community primarily comprised of lower caste individuals from East Bengal (now Bangladesh) were united under the leadership of Sri Sri Hari Chand Thakur as part of an anti-caste religious movement. His son Guru Chand Thakur, later strengthened this movement, focusing on truth, purity of character, and gender equality. He emphasized on education, self-reliance, and societal respect for the community, who historically suffered from caste-based untouchability and forced migration due to communal conflicts. This present paper will analyse the contemporary socio-cultural and economic conditions of Matua women in Bengal. It highlights the significant role of ‘Matri Sena’, an independent women’s organization within the Matua fold, which underscores the commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Despite progress in education and reduced discrimination, Matua women still face economic challenges and societal stereotypes. This study explores their ongoing struggles and efforts to improve their status, reflecting on the broader implications for social justice and gender equality within marginalized communities.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Double Vulnerability: Understanding Disability through Everyday Experiences of Women with Disabilities - a Brief Treatise
    (University of North Bengal, 2024-12) Mahaldar, Santosh
    The structure of Indian society is complex and heterogeneous, and it is pluralistic by nature due to its cultural and religious diversity. This aspect of pluralism has a massive impact on India's social order. In this social structure of diversity, though women are fighting for their basic rights, disabled women are more vulnerable to people’s notions of othering, which have muffled their voices. In Indian society, the position of a disabled woman is always inferior to that of a disabled man in comparison. Regarding women with disabilities, Fine and Asch write, “Disabled women are not only more likely to internalize society’s rejection, but they are more likely than disabled men to identify themselves as ‘disabled’ The disabled male possesses a relatively positive self-image and is more likely to identify as ‘male’ rather than as ‘disabled.’ (Fine and Asch,1981, p. 34). The idea of social acceptability dominates the minds of disabled women. In Indian society, women with disabilities have been subjugated through the dialogue and discourse of ‘deviant’ women because they do not fit into the society-made norms and cultures that determine and guide human behavior. This article delves into the theme of women with disabilities and their everyday lives. Following the lived experiences of disabled women, this essay supports and advocates their standpoints. What are some ways that women with disabilities face unique challenges? Is it possible to rethink the binary between disabled men and women? What could be the best way to address such burning issues? Based on the above questions, the researcher embarks on exploring the truth of the situations and positions of disabled women in society.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Daring to Tell the Tale: A Thematic Analysis of Feminist Retellings of Popular Mythological Narratives
    (University of North Bengal, 2024-12) Bandopadhyay, Shrestha
    The paper critically examines the radical subversions of three popular mythological narratives, all centered around female protagonists-the good woman, the bad, and the one who could never be the former because of being a woman. Each of these narratives originally act as either tales of caution or as stories glorifying the noble cis male victor’s heroism in protecting the weak female and act as mechanisms to rid the society of deviance while perpetuating caste patriarchal norms of the times. Subverting the popular narrative structure, each of these three pieces- ranging from poetry to novel- re-imagine and rehierarchize not only the female protagonist but also debunks the vilification of many other female characters and question perpetual systems of oppression instead. They turn the narratives from tales of individual blame to questions of larger social processes that allow and facilitate the suppression of all who do not hold power. Taking a look at writing spanning almost a century and focusing on views of authors coming from distinct social, political and gender(ed.) locations, the paper tries to analyze the challenge to the dominant narratives from below through an intersectional feminist point of view. The paper tries to take a fresh look into old myths and critically examine ideas of solidarity, resistance and liberation and the potential they hold in the contemporary context.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    The Female Companions of the Angry Young Men: A Comparative Study of John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger and Bratya Basu’s Hemlat
    (University of North Bengal, 2024-12) Bhakat, Mayuri
    In the world of theatre or literature, in general, female characters have been portrayed from different perspectives – sometimes as docile, passive, sometimes as energetic and active and sometimes as game-changers. However, with the advent of the First World War, the projection of female characters has witnessed a paradigm shift irrespective of territorial boundaries and cultural barriers. The magnitude of agitation and anger among the young men was so intense that the remarkable roles of their female companions could not be overlooked. Most of the writers, in the post-World War phase have brought forth the female counterparts of the angry young men onto the stage to serve a unique purpose. Be it John Osborne in English stage or be it Badal Sircar in Bangla theatre, angry young men had keen listeners to their frustrated life stories. Additionally, the absence of female companions in their lives could have led them to become insane or to commit suicide. This proposition may be defended by arguments, but we should explore their contributions in the lives of angry young men. To delve into the said study, I have preferred John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger (1957) and Bratya Basu’s Hemlat (2006) so that I can substantiate my proposition despite the spatio- temporal variations. From the critical lenses of post-modernism and feminism, I have studied characters like Alison and Shefalia, who hardly express their desires rather give importance to their angry young male partners. However, this study may appear to be challenging to the pro- feministic agendas. Nevertheless, this article simply observes the contributions of female companions and also argues that the role of a gender is not often preceded; sometimes, through docile or submissive appearance, female characters can execute the desired changes for their counterparts as well as for the society.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Women and contemporary politics during the times of Babur and Humayun
    (University of Northe Bengal, 2024-12) Roy, Varun Kumar
    The historical narrative of Babur and his family underscores the pivotal yet often underappreciated role of women in the political arena of the Mughal dynasty. Ehsan Daulat Begam's exemplary leadership during Babur's formative years not only safeguarded his claim to power but also demonstrated the significant influence women could wield within a patriarchal framework. Her ability to navigate complex political challenges and maintain stability in the court reflects a broader theme of women's active participation in governance during this era, countering prevalent stereotypes of female passivity. Moreover, figures such as Mahim Begam and Bibi Mubarika illustrate how women were not just supportive figures but key players in the shaping of political strategies and alliances. Their involvement in military campaigns, diplomatic relations, and the management of the household highlights the multifaceted roles women occupied, significantly influencing the direction and consolidation of Babur's rule and, by extension, the Mughal Empire. The contributions of these women extend beyond their immediate context, resonating through generations and impacting the political landscape of their time. Their legacies serve as a reminder of the essential need to reassess historical narratives, recognizing and valuing the instrumental roles women have played in shaping history. This nuanced understanding enriches our comprehension of the socio-political dynamics of the past and emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in historical discourse. Thus, the accounts of Babur’s family indeed reflect not only the complexities of power dynamics within their immediate context but also the enduring capacity of women to influence and determine the course of history, challenging the traditional paradigms of leadership and authority.